Method and apparatus for gaming vouchering system

ABSTRACT

Method and apparatus for a shopping award system for gaming establishments and their affiliated retail stores, hospitality stores, service organizations, hotels, and other point-of-sale type businesses, which produces free play vouchers that are redeemable for free play credits by insertion into cashless enabled games located in the gaming establishment. The free play credits granted under the award system are related to the amount of any given purchase. The apparatus includes a reward control system connected to one or more servers managing various accounting and game control for the gaming establishment, and a network of printers located at point-of-sale locations which produce the free play vouchers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/690,135 filed Jun. 14, 2005, the contents of whichare hereby incorporated by reference as if fully stated herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the distribution of vouchersfor use in a gaming machine and more specifically to distribution offree play vouchers based on point-of-sale transactions.

2. Description of the Related Art

Gaming machine manufacturers have introduced cashless enabled gamingmachines to the market and these have found wide acceptance in thegaming industry. Cashless enabled gaming machines are so named becausethey conduct financial exchanges using a mixture of traditionalcurrencies and vouchers produced by printers installed within a cashlessenabled game. Typically, a cashless enabled gaming machine has a gamingprinter to produce vouchers and a bill acceptor that supports automaticreading of vouchers.

To coordinate the activities of multiple cashless enabled gamingmachines, one or more cashless enabled gaming machines areelectronically coupled to a cashless enabled gaming machine system thatcontrols the cashless operations of the cashless enabled gamingmachines.

Gaming establishments use multiple promotion methods to induceindividuals to patronize the gaming establishment or affiliated gamingestablishments. One such promotion is a free play, wherein a gamingestablishment offers a patron chips, tokens, coupons, or vouchers forthe patron to play on gaming machines within the gaming establishment.These free play promotions are often used to promote certain gamingmachines.

However, currently existing free play promotions suffer from the problemthat patrons must request the free play while in the gamingestablishment. This creates inconvenience for the patron. Additionally,the patron may have to apply for a complimentary card prior to playingthe gaming machine.

Further, the effectiveness and redemption of promotions are reduced whenthe patron is not physically in the gaming establishment.

Another problem currently existing free play promotions suffer from isthat promotions are sent via mail to patrons. This causes increasedcosts for the gaming establishment in creating and sending the promotionin, for example, printing, mailing, and handling redemption of thepromotions.

Therefore, a need exists to provide a gaming vouchering system thatallows for vouchers and promotions to be issued quickly to a patron thatmay not be physically present in the gaming establishment. A gamingvouchering system in accordance with various aspects of the presentinvention meets such a need.

Definitions

For the purposes of this document, the following definitions apply:

“Free Play Credits”—gaming machine credits which allow a patron to playa game in a casino for free. free play credits typically can only beplayed and may not be redeemed for cash.

“Free Play Voucher”—a voucher, card, or other media which is generatedby a printer or encoding device and contains indicia necessary to allowit to be inserted into a cashless enabled game to obtain free playcredits.

“Gaming Establishment”—a location where gambling and wagering isconducted, such as a casino, hotel, associated shopping and recreationareas, and affiliated businesses and locations.

“Gaming Management System”—a management system used in gamingestablishments such as a Lodging Management System, Player TrackingSystem, Casino Management System, Customer Relations Management System,Point of Sale System, Event Management System, Slot Management System,and Table Management System.

“Non-Gaming POS”—a retail store, hospitality store, serviceorganization, attraction tickets sale location, hotel, or otherpoint-of-sale location or business which is not part of a gamingestablishment such as those located in proximity to a casino, but notwithin the casino.

“PTS”—Player Tracking System, a patron tracking and reward system withinthe gaming establishment which monitors the activity of participatingplayers.

“RCS”—Reward Control System, a system which regulates, processesstatistics on, and links to other systems for the issuance andredemption of free play Vouchers.

“RCS Printer”—a printer or encoding device used either standalone at apoint-of-sale or other kiosk location, or a printer or encoding deviceinstalled in a cashless enabled game, which generates free play vouchersand other promotional vouchers.

“point-of-sale”—a location where a sale between a business and itspatron is conducted, either within a gaming establishment, adjunct toit, at an affiliated gaming establishment, or at another participatingpoint-of-sale establishment.

“POSS”—Point of Sale System. A system which monitors and controlstransaction activity, typically through a cash register and otherperipherals, at point-of-sale locations.

“TITOMS”—an acronym for TITO management system, the server system of thegaming establishment which controls the issuance and redemption ofcredit vouchers for the cashless enabled games within a gamingestablishment. Cashless gaming is commonly referred to in the gamingindustry as Ticket In Ticket Out, hence the TITO acronym.

“automated redemption machine”—a machine usually located on a gamingfloor which provides patron self service redemption of TITO vouchers andother transactions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the invention, a method of operating a Reward ControlSystem (RCS) providing free play vouchers including credits used in agaming machine is provided. Sales transaction data are input for a salestransaction from a point of sale system and an amount of free playcredits for a free play voucher is calculated using the salestransaction data. Additionally, the method includes requesting theamount of free play credits from a Ticket-In Ticket Out ManagementSystem (TITOMS) and receiving the amount of free play credits from theTITOMS. The method also includes transmitting the amount of free playcredits to a RCS printer located where the sales transaction has takenplace. The RCS printer prints the free play voucher for the amount ofcredits for the patron involved in the sales transaction. The free playvoucher is capable of being inserted into a cashless enabled gamingmachine to obtain free game play.

In another aspect of the invention, the sales transaction data includesthe amount of the purchase, the particular product or service purchased,the location where the purchase has taken place, the time of thepurchase, the date of the purchase, or any of these transaction metricscombined with random chance.

In another aspect of the invention, the calculation of the amount ofcredits for the free play voucher includes using the amount of sale, thetype of sale, the location where the sale occurred, the time of thesale, the date of the sale, the amount of margin made on this type ofsale, the house advantage percentage for machines on the gaming floor,the amounts of discounts or other promotions associated with thetransaction, the house adjustment percentage, whether a predeterminedlevel of spending at participating locations by a particular patron hasoccurred, and whether a patron has recently joined a frequent playerclub.

In another aspect of the invention, the selection and weighting of thedata used in the calculation of the amount of credits for the free playvoucher can be set by an administrator.

In another aspect of the invention, the free play credits are for aspecified gaming machine.

In another aspect of the invention, an alert is transmitted, to thelocation of the sales transaction, that creation of a free play voucheris being analyzed or processed.

In another aspect of the invention, the RCS includes means forprocessing, recording, and sending statistics on various parameters ofparticipating point of sale locations, including the identity of themerchant, the location of the merchant, and the quantity of free playvouchers that have issued.

In another aspect of the invention, a notification of issuance of a freeplay voucher is appended to the patron's receipt.

In another aspect of the invention, an authorization code is provided tothe patron at the point of sale. The authorization code is required tobe entered into the RCS to print the free play voucher.

In another aspect of the invention, the calculation of the amount offree play credits further includes using player tracking data.

In another aspect of the invention, the calculation of the amount offree play credits further includes using player lodging data.

In another aspect of the invention, the calculation of the amount offree play credits further includes using patron shopping data. Thepatron shopping data is stored in a patron shopping account unique toeach patron. The RCS receives identity information from a patron tocreate and modify the patron shopping account data.

This summary has been provided so that the nature of the invention maybe understood quickly. A more complete understanding of the inventioncan be obtained by reference to the following detailed description,appended claims, and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the components of the RCS and itsinterface ports in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating connection of the RCS to its voucherproducing printer and the point-of-sale system within a gamingestablishment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a gaming vouchering system illustrating a lodgingcheck-in or check-out environment which utilizes the RCS, TITOMS, POS,PTS, and LMS in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the correlation between the RCS and anaccounting system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a point-of-sale environment andauthorization code issuance process which involves the RCS, TITOMS andPOSS in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the algorithm related to issuingvouchers based on purchases at a point-of-sale location.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a patron check-in to the gamingestablishment process in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a patron check-out of the gamingestablishment process in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a process to provide an incentive for apatron to join the gaming establishment's frequent player club inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is diagram of various issuance methods for free play vouchersand free play credits using an authorization code in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a point-of-sale environment providingan alert to the patron and/or cashier in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the components of the RCS in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG.1, RCS 100 includes a processor 102, application code 104, memory 106,and storage 108. Storage 108 is a device for long term storage of datasuch as a disk drive or an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-OnlyMemory (EEPROM). The RCS further includes ports for interfacing withexternal devices and systems. Interface ports include Ticket In TicketOut Management System (TITOMS) port 110, Lodging Management System (LMS)port 112, Player Tracking System (PTS) port 114, Point Of Sale System(POSS) port 116, Accounting port 118, Other port 120, Printers port 122,Keypads port 124, Patron Alert Device port 126, and Administrator Linkport 128.

In operation, processor 102 of the RCS executes application code 104stored in memory 106 to perform the functions of an RCS as describedherein. TITOMS port 110 performs communication with a TITOMS for thepurpose of creation of free play credits within the cashless gamingsystem of the gaming establishment and additionally receives avalidation code from the TITOMS against which the credits are loggedwithin the TITOMS. LMS port 112 performs communication with a LMS tomonitor the activity of a patron and exchanges data so that the RCS candetermine whether a free play voucher should be issued to the patron atcheck-in or check-out of lodging. PTS port 114 communicates with a PTSsystem and exchanges data so that the RCS can determine whether a freeplay voucher should be issued or enhanced as a result of the patronperforming the transaction being a member of a frequent player ormembership club of the gaming establishment.

POSS port 116 communicates with a POSS and exchanges data so that theRCS can determine if a particular transaction meets the criterianecessary to qualify for the creation of a free play voucher, andfurther to determine the amount of free play credits to be issued on thevoucher. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the POSSport additionally communicates with the POSS to request and receive anauthorization code from the POSS which is provided to the patron at thetime of a transaction.

Accounting port 118 is used for communication with an accounting systemof the gaming establishment and communicates data such as activity logs.Other port 120 is used for communication with other miscellaneousdevices. Printer port 122 interfaces with printers in the RCS system forthe purpose of creating a free play voucher at the location where aqualifying transaction has taken place. Keypad port 124 receivescommunications containing an authorization code from a keypad andprovides the information to the RCS. Patron Alert Devices port 126exchanges data so that the RCS may alert a patron that a free playvoucher is being processed. Administrator link port 128 communicateswith a system administrator to accept programming as to the data to beused by the RCS in the course of its point-of-sale transactionprocessing to determine whether a free play voucher should be createdand the amount of the voucher.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating connection of the RCS to its voucherproducing printer and a point-of-sale system within a gamingestablishment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 2, RCS 100 is coupled to a POSS 200. ThePOSS is coupled to one or more registers such as register 210. The RCSis also coupled to TITOMS 202 and at least one RCS printer 208. The RCSmay additionally be coupled to a PTS 204. A cashless enabled gamingmachine 206 is coupled to the TITOMS and may additionally be coupled tothe PTS. Free play voucher 212 is created by RCS printer 208 and is usedin the cashless enabled gaming machine.

A plurality of RCS printers may simultaneously be in operation andconnected to the RCS or other components of the reward control system.The RCS printers may additionally be connected to each other via anetwork, or coupled together. Further, the RCS printers may bedistributed in essentially any location. RCS printers may also bephysically combined with other components in the reward control system.For example, in one embodiment, RCS printer 208 and POSS 200 arecombined into a single terminal device.

In operation, the POSS signals the RCS that a sales transaction hasoccurred at the register. The POSS also transmits data to the RCS suchas the amount, location and makeup of the transaction. Using data fromthe POS, and analyzing the data according to its programming, the RCSdetermines the amount of free play credits for which a transaction isqualified. If credits are to be issued, the RCS requests the creditsfrom the TITOMS. Upon receipt of the credits from the TITOMS, the RCSsignals the RCS printer at the location where the transaction has takenplace to issue a free play voucher for the amount of credits.Additionally, the RCS receives data from the PTS as to the player as acustomer for the gaming establishment, which may be used as a metricwithin the calculation in the RCS to enhance the odds or quantity offree play credits to be issued. The free play vouchers printed by theRCS printer are inserted into the cashless enabled gaming machine, whichin turn receives the free play credits from the TITOMS to which it hasbeen coupled and which has logged the credits against the free playvouchers validation code.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a gaming vouchering system illustrating a lodgingcheck-in or check-out environment which utilizes the RCS, TITOMS, POSS,PTS, TITOMS and LMS in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, RCS 100 is coupled to POSS 200, TITOMS 202, PTS 204and RCS printer 208. Additionally, the RCS is coupled to LMS 300. Acashless enabled gaming machine 206 is coupled to the TITOMS and mayadditionally be coupled to the PTS. Free play voucher 212 is created bythe RCS printer and is used in the cashless enabled gaming machine.Front desk 214 is coupled to the LMS.

In operation, the RCS receives signaling from the LMS and PTS during thecheck-in or check-out of a patron for the gaming establishment's hotel.During a check-in event, the RCS utilizes data from the LMS and PTS todetermine if a particular player's stature or purchasing activity meritsissuance of free play credits. If so, the RCS signals the RCS printerinstalled at the check-in location (such as the front desk) to issue afree play voucher. During a check-out event, the RCS utilizes data fromthe LMS and PTS to determine if the level of purchasing activity duringthat patron's stay at the gaming establishment merits free play credits.If so, the RCS signals the RCS printer installed at the check-outlocation to issue a free play voucher.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the correlation between the RCS and anaccounting system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention. As shown in FIG. 4, RCS 100 is coupled to accountingsystem 400 which manages and monitors financial activity within a gamingestablishment.

In operation, free play parameters and data as described in Table 6 suchas house advantage percentage and house adjustment percentage may berequested from the accounting system by the RCS. The RCS sends reportsand logs regarding the amount of free play credits issued againsttransactions, so that the gaming establishment may perform accountingreconciliation of the RCS promotions within its financial system.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a point-of-sale environment andauthorization code issuance process which utilizes the RCS, TITOMS, andPOSS in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

As shown in FIG. 5, RCS 100 is coupled to POSS 200, TITOMS 202, RCSprinter 208, and keypad 500. The TITOMS is coupled to cashless enabledgaming machine 206. Register 210 is coupled to the POSS. Receipt 502 iscreated by the register. Free play voucher 212 is created by the RCSprinter and is used in the cashless enabled gaming machine.

In operation, the keypad is used to add a security feature to the systemof FIG. 2. The purpose of the feature is to prevent unauthorized use orabuse of free play vouchers by either cashiers performing thetransaction, or other parties which intend to steal the voucher when thepatron is distracted or does not realize that a free play voucher hasbeen issued to them. As a modification to the system activitiesdescribed in FIG. 2, the RCS requests the POSS to append authorizationcode 510 to the transaction receipt given to the patron, rather thanautomatically printing a free play voucher. The patron is then requiredto enter the authorization code at the keypad (at that machine oranother) in order to trigger printing of the free play voucher.

As an added level of security, a patron registers as a participant at asuitable location for where they were issued a shopper's card. Thepatron enters a personal identification number (PIN) to create a rewardsaccount. When making purchases, the patron swipes their shopper's cardand enters their PIN in order for the authorization code to be issued tothe POSS to be appended to their receipt. To redeem the free playvoucher, the patron again swipes their shopper's card and enters theirPIN and authorization number from the receipt to cause the RCS to createa free play voucher. Once an authorization code is used to create a freeplay voucher, the RCS marks the authorization code as no longer valid.

Several combinations of the authorization code, shopper's card, and PINare possible to ensure that the patron making the purchase at the POSSis actually the individual benefitting from the free play creditsextended by the system.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the calculation related to issuingvouchers based on purchases at a point-of-sale location. As shown inFIG. 6, the process begins at step 600 with a purchase being made by wayof accommodations 650, restaurants/dining 652, bars/nightclubs 654, roomservice 656, shows/entertainment 658, merchandise 660, or other POSS662. In step 602, the RCS calculates the data from the purchase todetermine if the purchase meets the requirements for issuance of freeplay credits.

An example of a calculation to determine an amount of free play creditsto issue is as follows:$100 {transaction}−$10 {sale}−$50 {margin}=$40 {sub-total1}+$5{sub-total2}−$2.25 {house}=$42.75 free play credits issuedwhere:

transaction=the amount of the transaction which has occurred sale=anypromotional discounts applied to the sale, beyond the RCS systemmargin=margin for that particular product or service adj.=a positive ornegative adjustment applied to a sub-total of the calculation whichcould be related to the particular product or service being purchased,or the location, date or time when the purchased happened. For example,during a particular month, purchase of women's clothes at a particularstore could be cause 10% greater Free Play Credits to be extended.

house=the gaming establishment's percentage advantage on slot machinesapplied to total free play credits calculated.

If the purchase meets the requirement, then a free play voucher isissued in step 604. The process then ends at step 606. If the purchasedoes not meet the requirements, no free play voucher is issued and theprocess ends.

The process may additionally contain steps 608 and 610. In step 608, theRCS first accesses the PTS to determine the identification of a patronand the stature of that patron within the PTS. The amount of free playcredits may then be enhanced depending on the PTS information. If thepatron is not identified in the PTS system, the patron is offeredmembership in the PTS in step 610. The process then proceeds to step 602as in the foregoing situation.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a process of a patron check-in to thegaming establishment's lodging in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the processbegins in Step 700 with the patron checking in to the gamingestablishment lodging. The process proceeds to step 702, wherein the RCSreviews the shopping history of the patron and determines, according toits programming, whether the shopping activity merits the issuance offree play credits. Additionally, the RCS may calculate in step 702 thata promotion is currently active and issue credits accordingly. If a freeplay voucher is to be issued, the RCS issues the free play voucher instep 704 and the process ends at step 706. If the RCS determines that nofree play voucher is to be issued, no free play voucher is issued andthe process ends.

The process may additionally contain steps 708 and 710. In step 708, theRCS first accesses the PTS to determine the identification of a patronand the stature of that patron within the PTS. The amount of free playcredits may then be enhanced depending on the PTS information. If thepatron is not identified in the PTS system, the patron is offeredmembership in the PTS in step 710. The process then proceeds to step 702as in the foregoing situation.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a patron check-out of the gamingestablishment's lodging in accordance with an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the process begins in step800 with the check-out of a patron from the gaming establishment'slodging. In step 802, the RCS requests the patron's shopping activityfrom the server. In step 804, the RCS reviews the shopping history ofthe patron and determines, according to its programming, whether theshopping activity merits the issuance of free play credits.Additionally, the RCS may calculate in step 804 that a promotion iscurrently active and issue credits accordingly. If a free play voucheris to be issued, the RCS issues the free play voucher in step 806 andthe process ends at step 808. If the RCS determines that no free playvoucher is to be issued, no free play voucher is issued and the processends.

The process may additionally contain steps 810 and 812. In step 810, theRCS first accesses the PTS to determine the identification of a patronand the stature of that patron within the PTS. The amount of free playcredits may then be enhanced depending on the PTS information. If thepatron is not identified in the PTS system, the patron is offeredmembership in the PTS in step 812. The process then proceeds to step 802as in the foregoing situation.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a process to provide an incentive for apatron to join the gaming establishment's frequent player club inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9appends a modification to the process described in FIG. 6, FIG. 7, andFIG. 8, in the case under FIG. 6 that it was determined that the patronwas not part of the frequent player's club maintained in the PTS.

As shown in FIG. 9, the process begins in step 900 with the creation ofa patron tracking incentive for the patron. For example, the patroncould be offered an increased amount of free play credits to join thesystem. In step 902, it is determined whether the patron has acceptedthe incentive and thus decided to join the frequent player club. If thepatron does not accept the offer, the process ends at step 908. If,however, the patron accepts the offer, the individual is registered inthe PTS in step 904, and the incentive is issued to the patron in step906. The process then ends at step 908.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of various issuance methods for free play vouchersand free play credits using an authorization code in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. In addition to FIG. 2,FIG. 3, and FIG. 5, FIG. 10 illustrates additional issuance methods forfree play vouchers and free play credits using an authorization coderecorded on a transaction receipt, TITOMS, a cashier cage and/or anautomated redemption machine.

As shown in FIG. 10, RCS 100 is coupled to TITOMS 202, automatedredemption machine 1104, and cashier's cage 1106. The TITOMS is coupledto cashless enabled gaming machine 206. Receipt 1100 containsauthorization code 510. The automated redemption machine is coupled to akeypad 1106 and a RCS printer 1108. The cashier's cage is coupled tokeypad 1112 and RCS printer 1114. Free play voucher 1116 is printed byRCS printer 1108 or RCS printer 1114.

In operation, the TITOMS requests from the RCS validation of theauthorization code entered on a cashless enabled gaming machine. The RCSverifies the authorization code and issues a free play voucher aspreviously discussed. The voucher may then be directly inserted into thecashless enabled gaming machine for redemption.

In another embodiment, the RCS is coupled to a cashier's cage or aplurality of such. A cashier uses a keypad to enter the authorizationcode appended to the patron's receipt. The RCS verifies theauthorization code and issues a free play voucher through as previouslydiscussed. The voucher may then be directly inserted into the cashlessenabled gaming machine for redemption.

In still another embodiment, the RCS is coupled to an automaticredemption machine or a plurality of such. A patron enters theauthorization code from the receipt into the automated redemptionmachine. The automated redemption machine requests validation of theauthorization code from the RCS. The RCS verifies the authorization codeand notifies the automated redemption machine of such. The redemptionmachine then signals the RCS printer to issue a free play voucher.

As indicated earlier under FIG. 5, any of redemption methods of FIG. 10may employ any combination of the security measures disclosed in thedetailed description of FIG. 5 above, including a separate shopper'scard and PIN.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a point-of-sale environment providingan alert to the patron and/or cashier in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. The system described in FIG. 11 isintended to add on to any of the overall system operation describedearlier in the detailed descriptions of FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 5, and FIG.10. The purpose of the alert is to help ensure that the patron is awarethat a free play voucher is pending or in the process of being createdby the RCS printer, and thus the voucher is given to the patron, notdiscarded or taken by another party.

As shown in FIG. 11, RCS 100 is coupled to POSS 200, RCS printer 1202and alert device 1204. The POSS is coupled to a register 1200.Additionally, the alert device may be coupled to the RCS printer. Inoperation, the alert device receives an alert signal from the RCS andalerts the patron or cashier of the pending issuance of a free playvoucher. The alert device may be driven by either the RCS or the RCSprinter itself.

Tables 1 to 6 indicate partial listings of data elements and parametersfor a gaming vouchering system in accordance with exemplary embodimentsof the present invention.

Table 1 discloses possible types of free game plays that may be issuedby the RCS. TABLE 1 Free Play Game Types Specific Slot Machine Any SlotMachine Plurality of Slot Machines Specific Video Game Any Video GamePlurality of Video Games Specific Gaming Table Any Gaming TablePlurality of Gaming Tables Any Denomination Specific DenominationMultiple Denominations

Table 2 illustrates possible parameters of a POSS purchase which may beused by the RCS to calculate the amount of free play credits to beissued. TABLE 2 POSS Purchase Parameters Total Purchase Amount PurchaseAmount per POS Type of Purchase Margin For Type of Purchase PurchaseDate Purchase Time Discount Amount Discount Percentage

Table 3 lists possible parameters of merchant information which may beused by the RCS in calculation of the amount of free play credits thatshould be issued. TABLE 3 Merchant Information Parameters MerchantUnique ID Merchant Name Merchant Account Number Merchant Location

Table 4 lists possible parameters of gaming establishment informationwhich may be used by the RCS in calculation of the amount of free playcredits that should be issued. TABLE 4 Gaming Establishment ParametersUnique ID Name Account Number Location

Table 5 lists patron tracking incentive parameters which may be used bythe RCS in calculation of the amount of free play credits that should beissued. TABLE 5 Patron Tracking Incentive Parameters Number ofAdditional Free Plays Food/Beverages Merchandise Tickets Other

Table 6 lists parameters for a free play that may be used by the RCS incalculation of the amount of free play credits that should be issued.TABLE 6 Free Play Parameters Promotion Begin Date Promotion End DatePromotion Begin Time Promotion End Time Voucher Issued Date VoucherIssued Time Voucher Number RCS Printer Number Authorization CodeValidation Code House Advantage Percentage House Adjustment PercentageLimit on Promotion Per Patron Limit Per Location Validity with OtherPromotions Number of Vouchers Issuance Game Identification Cash ValueAmount of Credits Number of Free Plays Patron Alert

1. A method of providing a free play voucher used in a cashless gaming machine, comprising: receiving sales transaction data for a sales transaction; calculating an amount of free play credits for the free play voucher using the sales transaction data; requesting the amount of free play credits from a Ticket-In Ticket Out Management System (TITOMS); receiving the amount of free play credits from the TITOMS; and printing the free play voucher including the amount of free play credits.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the sales transaction data includes an amount of the purchase.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the sales transaction data further includes a particular product or service purchased.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the sales transaction data further includes a location where the purchase has taken place.
 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the sales transaction data further includes a time of the purchase.
 6. The method of claim 2, wherein the sales transaction data further includes a date of the purchase.
 7. The method of claim 2, wherein the sales transaction data further includes an amount of margin made on the type of sale.
 8. The method of claim 2, wherein the sales transaction data includes using random chance affecting the amount of free play credits.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the calculation of the amount of free play credits further includes using gaming establishment data.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the gaming establishment data includes a house advantage percentage for a gaming machine.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the gaming establishment data further includes an amount of another promotion associated with the transaction.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the gaming establishment data further includes a house adjustment percentage.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein the gaming establishment data further includes whether a predetermined level of spending at participating locations by a particular patron has occurred.
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein the gaming establishment data further includes whether a patron has recently joined a frequent player club.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein a selection of sales transaction data used to calculate free play credits is provided by an administrator.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising providing the weighting of the sales transaction data to be used in the calculation by the administrator.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the free play credits are for a specified gaming machine.
 18. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting an alert to a location of the sales transaction that creation of the voucher is being processed.
 19. The method of claim 1, further comprising processing statistics on parameters of participating point of sale locations.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the statistics include an identity of a merchant.
 21. The method of claim 19, wherein the statistics further include a location of the merchant.
 22. The method of claim 19, wherein the statistics further include a quantity of vouchers that have issued.
 23. The method of claim 1, wherein notification of issuance of the voucher is appended to a patron's receipt.
 24. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing an authorization code to a patron at a point of sale before printing the voucher.
 25. The method of claim 1, wherein the calculation of the amount of free play credits further includes using player tracking data.
 26. The method of claim 1, wherein the calculation of the amount of free play credits further includes using patron lodging data.
 27. The method of claim 1, wherein the calculation of the amount of free play credits further includes using patron shopping data.
 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the patron shopping data is stored in a patron shopping account unique to each patron.
 29. The method of claim 28, further comprising receiving identity information from a patron to create and modify the patron shopping account data.
 30. A Reward Control System (RCS) for providing a free play voucher used in a cashless gaming machine, comprising: means for receiving sales transaction data for a sales transaction; means for calculating an amount of free play credits for the free play voucher using the sales transaction data; means for requesting the amount of free play credits from a Ticket-In Ticket Out Management System (TITOMS); means for receiving the amount of free play credits from the TITOMS; and means for printing the free play voucher including the amount of free play credits.
 31. The RCS of claim 30, wherein the sales transaction data includes an amount of the purchase.
 32. The RCS of claim 31, wherein the sales transaction data further includes a particular product or service purchased.
 33. The RCS of claim 31, wherein the sales transaction data further includes a location where the purchase has taken place.
 34. The RCS of claim 31, wherein the sales transaction data further includes a time of the purchase.
 35. The RCS of claim 31, wherein the sales transaction data further includes a date of the purchase.
 36. The RCS of claim 31, wherein the sales transaction data further includes an amount of margin made on the type of sale.
 37. The RCS of claim 31, wherein the sales transaction data includes using random chance affecting the amount of free play credits.
 38. The RCS of claim 30, wherein the calculation of the amount of free play credits further includes using gaming establishment data.
 39. The RCS of claim 38, wherein the gaming establishment data includes a house advantage percentage for a gaming machine.
 40. The RCS of claim 38, wherein the gaming establishment data further includes an amount of another promotion associated with the transaction.
 41. The RCS of claim 38, wherein the gaming establishment data further includes a house adjustment percentage.
 42. The RCS of claim 38, wherein the gaming establishment data further includes whether a predetermined level of spending at participating locations by a particular patron has occurred.
 43. The RCS of claim 38, wherein the gaming establishment data further includes whether a patron has recently joined a frequent player club.
 44. The RCS of claim 30, wherein a selection of sales transaction data used to calculate free play credits is provided by an administrator.
 45. The RCS of claim 44, further comprising means for providing the weighting of the sales transaction data to be used in the calculation by the administrator.
 46. The RCS of claim 30, wherein the free play credits are for a specified gaming machine.
 47. The RCS of claim 30, further comprising means for transmitting an alert to a location of the sales transaction that creation of the voucher is being processed.
 48. The RCS of claim 30, further comprising means for processing statistics on parameters of participating point of sale locations.
 49. The RCS of claim 48, wherein the statistics include an identity of a merchant.
 50. The RCS of claim 48, wherein the statistics further include a location of the merchant.
 51. The RCS of claim 48, wherein the statistics further include a quantity of vouchers that have issued.
 52. The RCS of claim 30, wherein notification of issuance of the voucher is appended to a patron's receipt.
 53. The RCS of claim 30, further comprising means for providing an authorization code to a patron at a point of sale before printing the voucher.
 54. The RCS of claim 30, wherein the calculation of the amount of free play credits further includes using player tracking data.
 55. The RCS of claim 30, wherein the calculation of the amount of free play credits further includes using patron lodging data.
 56. The RCS of claim 30, wherein the calculation of the amount of free play credits further includes using patron shopping data.
 57. The RCS of claim 56, wherein the patron shopping data is stored in a patron shopping account unique to each patron.
 58. The RCS of claim 57, further comprising means for receiving identity information from a patron to create and modify the patron shopping account data. 